A
Special Message from Fraser Wilson It’s time to stand up December 3, 2003
I would like to encourage everyone to read the article on the front page
of today’s Toronto Star.
My initial reaction to this story is disgust and bewilderment. I can't stand
the thought that this individual was treated with such disrespect as a human
being, as a person.
My secondary thoughts are those of frustration — frustration that
all "nursing homes" will be tarred with the same brush. As much
as we are trying to change public perception about long-term care, the incredible
work of our people and the ingenuity and creativity being practiced through
both formal and informal supportive measures, articles like this make the
slope we are climbing steeper.
We must be true to ourselves. We believe in the great work we are doing
and the care we are providing. We cannot allow this typical media negativity
and sensationalism to steer us off course.
We have to be strong and proud. We cannot move from empowerment and the
belief in our people to a practice of enforcement and management by authority
and control. We have to stay strong in our belief that we can demonstrate
the full potential of the collaborative human spirit for both our residents
and our staff.
I would encourage you to share The Star articles with everyone who is a
part of your home and convey a similar message to the one I’ve outlined
above. We have to be transparent and share what we know.
Now is the time for each of us to show our leadership. Our people, our residents
and our families are counting on us to instill hope and faith in what we
do. Without strong leadership and conviction, some may become demoralized
reading stories like this. We can't allow that to happen. Our people have
to believe in themselves and that they are making a meaningful contribution
every day.
The Toronto Star is asking the public to, "Tell us your nursing home
experience" by visiting www.thestar.com/elderly.
Write to them by email, and consider including a link to one of your favourite
OMNIway stories.
Let's surprise them by sharing our great experiences. During my recent visit
to each of our homes I saw first hand the many and incredible stories of
how you are enabling our residents to live life to their fullest potential.
In many cases, with our support, residents experienced an improvement in
their quality of life.
Now is the time to stand up for what is right, to follow our hearts and
demonstrate what is possible. Others are counting on us.
Fraser Wilson
In an effort to bring
you independent news about the OMNI community, this
story was prepared by a third party news provider,
Axiom
News Services. It has not been subject
to prior editorial approval by OMNI Health Care.
